Acne spots in your 30's

[Ellemeg82]

I thought by the age of 36 I might have grown out of spots but it seems not.
I still get bad breakouts of spots over my chin, jawline and neck. Some are large and painful.
It doesn't seem to be linked to my period as i get them all throughout the month.
They're better in summer when I've had more sun on my face.
Over the years I've been on various contraceptive pills, antibiotics, creams and lotions. Nothing has helped.
Currently not on any hormonal contraception.

Have tried all the 'teen' brand skin care like oxy. Currently using a Neutrogena wash.

Has anyone found a skin care product or routine that really helps with acne in your 30's and beyond?

Have you seen a dermatologist?

I haven't. I have asked GP for a referral but was told it was "just cosmetic" and therefore refused. Can't afford private right now.

Here's an idea of what I'm dealing with. There is never a time my skin is clear of spots and you can probably see the scarring

I would check out Dermatica or Skin + Me - an online dermatologist can prescribe you with tailored products

I had awful skin after my second pregnancy. Forehead and chin would get spots with no discernible pattern so wasn't related to my cycle. I started using The Ordinary, I bought a set with cleanser, serum and moisturiser aimed at acne prone skin. I used that in conjunction with their glycolic acid toner and it worked wonders on my skin which was surprising as I'd tried lots of more expensive products and brands over the two years I struggled with my skin. It was recommended to me by a beautician and I decided to give it a try as the whole set was the same price I've paid for some single products. Definitely worth a shot. I love the toner and continue to use it daily.

Thank you for those recommendations.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo. I have always had issues with my skin (same age as you) and this is the only thing that has ever worked. After using for a week my skin was clearer than it's ever been. It is slightly more expensive than other brands but it works for me. Boots often have it on offer.

In my experience NHS GPs are useless for this. They just treat you as time wasters/ get over it/ no big deal. Your GP is an insensitive idiot btw. Could you persist/ ask to see another GP?

I know you said you can't afford private at the moment but honestly could you put away a little each month to see a private GP and get a private prescription for antibiotics? It was the only thing that worked for me.

I see you've had recommendations for things you can buy over the counter. Nothing over the counter worked for me. I'd be worried that you're spending a lot on these which would be better spent seeing a private GP. The private GPs I saw were so much more sympathetic.

My gp referred me to dermatology when I had treatment resistant acne like you and I took roaccutane & it went away.

I had what appeared to be very sudden acne, would come up over just a few hours so thought it was an allergy which made gp take it more seriously.

He gave me what is probably standard (a cream and then some tablets - sorry, too long ago) treatment then referred me to a dermatologist.

Upshot is it was actually the pustular form of roseacia. Treatment is antibiotics but for their anti inflammatory effect rather than treating a bacterial infection. Gone in a few days but I was expected to stay on them for life (or as long as I wanted clear skin).

Lots of research and I started following an anti inflammatory diet, got more sleep, tried meditation and basically reducing my stress. It worked. I now only get flare ups if I'm stressed or have been eating a lot of grains or generally snacking a lot.

If you find it worse when you're stressed or too busy to eat and sleep well you could be the same.

Suffered acne all my adult life, only thing that has made any difference is diet. Grains, sugar and dairy are the big culprits usually